Countdown is on for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

With the world's best players in action on court and a full schedule of entertainment on offer in the Tennis Village, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Garhoud will be the place to be from 18 February - 2 March.

Tournament Director Salah Tahlak is delighted with the line up of players competing in Dubai this year.

"We have again attracted the best of the best, with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams guaranteeing some amazing tennis," he said.

"With 9 of the top ten women and 6 of the top ten men competing here, the field is Grand Slam quality and tennis fans will be able to see the best players in the world playing on every day of the tournament," he added.

"We also have a full schedule of activities and entertainment happening in the tennis village, with the Kids' Days proving more popular than ever, and the Ladies' Day and Fantastic Fan Day sure to attract the best outfits and costumes in town," he stated.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of tournament owners and organizers, said, "We celebrated our 20th Anniversary in style last year, and we are looking forward to an equally exciting tournament this year. We are delighted to be welcoming the players and officials to our official tournament hotel, the new Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and with everyone on site the atmosphere this year will be wonderful."

While the men's finals tickets again proved to be hot property, several lucky fans who enter competitions at the stadium on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week will win coveted finals tickets. Fans are encouraged to check the tournament website and facebook page for all the details on ticket competitions.

The Irish Village and restaurants in the Century Village will be buzzing for the fortnight, so even those without tickets can watch the action live on big screens while enjoying the atmosphere and roving live entertainment.

The action kicks off on Monday 18 February with the WTA women's tournament, with defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska facing a tough challenge to retain her crown. The men's ATP week follows on 25 February with five time champion Roger Federer and world number one Novak Djokovic predicted to fight it out for the title.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Tickets for the event are on sale from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud which is open from 9am to 9pm daily.